Senate Bill 178 would give the board - now in its inaugural year - more flexibility and authority to evaluate proposed and existing charter schools.

The measure removes the cap on the number of new charters allowed each year.

Supporters said the changes would create a more efficient and effective charter-school application process.

"The better work we can do upfront in the application process - the more they understand what their rights, roles and responsibilities will be - the more quality schools we'll get," said Brian Allen, the board's chairman and a former legislator who helped launch Utah's charter movement.

Charter schools are public schools funded by tax dollars.

They are empowered to use innovative teaching methods, but they must adhere to financial and educational standards as other public schools do.

Nearly 30 charter schools have been approved since the Legislature authorized them in 1998.

SB178 also allows the state charter board to intervene in cases of "deficiency," such as poor management, financial struggles or failure to reach academic goals.

For example, the board could dismiss a school's executive director or finance officer, or even terminate the school altogether.

Finally, the measure would prohibit the charter board or the state school board from denying a charter application because of possible impact on neighboring public schools.

This provision was the only one to draw criticism Tuesday.

State schools Superintendent Patti Harrington argued that rural schools could be harmed if their students left to attend charter schools.

"As the schools get smaller, children are going to have access to fewer offerings," she said.

rlynn@sltrib.com